Suggestion for a hockey mom?

[MinnieGirl33]

I am someone who really likes taking pictures but knows very little about cameras & photography.

Main goals are to capture my sons playing ice hockey & our WDW trips.

Do you have any suggestions for me? Helpful hints? Things to consider?

 

[handicap18]

What are you currently using for a camera?

Sports photography in general isn't easy. Hockey can be tough because of the poor lighting in many local rinks combined with fast moving subjects. Add the extra reflective light off the ice and you can run into white balance issues.

You'll need a camera with good high ISO performance (at least 800) and one with a good lens, especially at the longer end. Also something with a good fast auto focus. Anything with any amount of shutter lag/delay and you'll probably be disapointed.

 

[love__goofy]

My sons play indoor soccer and I am sick of getting a blurred child. I would love to know a specific brand name and model...something less than $1000.00 would be great.

Thanks so much!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

My sons play indoor soccer and I am sick of getting a blurred child. I would love to know a specific brand name and model...something less than $1000.00 would be great.

Ah, if it were only that simple....

Unfortunately, as handicap mentioned above, these types of shots are notoriously difficult. You need a combination of gear and skill to get good results consistently.

 

[MinnieGirl33]

What are you currently using for a camera?

Well, if you promise not to laugh... just a simple point & shoot... Canon A520.

I am interested in becoming more photographically savvy but right now can't afford to go too high end. I guess I am looking for an intermediate step

As for the sports shots, I would be happy with a minimum of blur & (attempt to?) address the light issues after the fact.

Hmmm... wonder if the "For Dummies" people have a version for novice photography?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

These two might help, but they seem geared to outdoor sports, which would be easier for a point and shoot.

http://www.shutterbug.net/refreshercourse/sports_tips/111/

http://www.cnet.com.au/digitalcameras/cameras/0,239036184,339272149,00.htm



Low light, ie indoor, is difficult for everyone; low light and movement combined, ie indoor sports, is really tough.

http://www.flickr.com/groups/sportsaction/discuss/72157602825193411/

http://www.cordcamera.com/callme.asp?callid=CUTIndoor

http://photo.net/digital-camera-shopping-forum/00LEiV



You can find lots more just by googling indoor sports photography.

Maybe someone here has a camera that they use for something similar with good luck and can make a recommendation. HTH

 

[handicap18]

Well, if you promise not to laugh... just a simple point & shoot... Canon A520.

I am interested in becoming more photographically savvy but right now can't afford to go too high end. I guess I am looking for an intermediate step

As for the sports shots, I would be happy with a minimum of blur & (attempt to?) address the light issues after the fact.

Hmmm... wonder if the "For Dummies" people have a version for novice photography?

We don't laugh at other people's camera's around here. Its not very Disney like.

I'm not sure how much better things can get with your current camera. I do know that it is a nice camera. Unfortunately PnS camera's are not the best for indoor shots, especially if those indoor shots are sports.

What I would suggest is to use the Fast Shutter option. I would think that would give you the highest ISO (which on this model is 400) and faster shutter.

What your looking for is to use the highest ISO (again 400 with this model) and a shutter speed probably around 1/200th. You can probably get away with 1/160th (I would go no less than 1/125th). Your best bet is to actually have the camera underexpose a little, then in post processing you can add some brightness. Also on this camera there is Spot Metering. This will help with isolating your subject for exposure. To get these specific setting, you can use Manual or Shutter Priority then plug in these settings yourself.